She shook her head against his shoulder.

"No--no! That is wrong.

That is not--the greater love." "What do you mean by--the greater love ?" He was holding her still closely, but no longer with that fierce possession.
She answered him with a steadiness that surprised herself: "I mean the only love that is worth having--the love that lasts." He caught up the words passionately.

"And hasn't my love lasted?
Have I ever thought of any other woman since the day I met you?
Haven't I been fighting against odds ever since to be able to come to you an honest man--and worthy of your love ?" "Oh, I know--I know!" she said, and there was a sound of heartbreak in her voice.

"But--the odds have been too heavy.